A penalty by Frank Lampard and a late goal from Raul Meireles helped Chelsea secure a Champions League semi-final place.
But the 2-1 victory on Wednesday did not come without a scare as Benfica midfielder Javi Garcia’s late goal nearly cost the English side.
The victory over the Portuguese outfit sees the Stamford Bridge side continue on the path towards the final in Munich, but they must now overcome the large roadblock of defending champions Barcelona.
Ashley Cole lifted Chelsea after breaking broke into the box but he was barged down by Garcia, leaving the referee Damir Skomina with no option but to point to the spot.
Benfica skipper Maxi Pereira was shown a yellow card, which would cost the full back later on.
Lampard doive the ball under the outstretched arms of keeper Artur to give Di Matteo's side a two-goal lead on aggregate.
Stamford Bridge, or at least the Chelsea end, went silent as a corner from the left wing found Garcia free in front of goal and from two yards out he headed the ball into the net to give Benfica a glimmer of hope.
But Chelsea faithful need not worry as deep into injury time, with Benfica moving everyone forward the Blues broke and substitute Meireles unleashed an unstoppable strike to send the Blues into the semi-final stage of the Champions League.
